Abstract

This paper examines the link between gender equality, biodiversity and food security by analysing the neglected role of men. The sustainability of biodiversity and the realisation of food security are issues with significant gender dimensions. Gender relations between men and women are important as it is becoming apparent that the future of food security is not only dependent on a reduction in resource-intensive agriculture but on more knowledge-intensive approaches which includes the exchange and interaction of different ideas and knowledge about natural resource management and food production, use and distribution. This paper argues that the emphasis on women and gender mainstreaming needs to include the role of men in food security. Gender mainstreaming approach with the sole focus on women can lead to declining ecological sustainability and thus food insecurity. In other words, food security not only needs to be gender mainstreamed but also men-streamed in order to establish and implement effective food security solutions.